Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death for men and women in the United States. When a heart attack is not properly diagnosed, this can lead to serious health complications for a patient. The patient will not receive the immediate care they need. In an ER or on the phone with a patient, a doctor may dismiss symptoms that could indicate a heart attack. If a heart attack is misdiagnosed, it could be medical malpractice.
Failing to Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation in the chest or arms
- Nausea, indigestion, or abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
Doctors may hear about these symptoms and chalk it up to indigestion or another condition. Doctors need to pay attention to the symptoms a patient presents with and order the appropriate testing to determine if the patient is having a heart attack. It is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms when they are having a heart attack. That’s why it is important to take precautions and run the necessary tests.
Heart Attacks in Women
Despite the fact that heart attacks kill one in four women, doctors still misdiagnose heart attacks in women 50% of the time. While chest pain is still a leading symptom of a heart attack in women, women are also more likely to experience other symptoms. Symptoms like jaw pain, stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness are more likely to be experienced by women who are having a heart attack. They may not have severe chest pains, and, as a result, a doctor may not test to see if they are having a heart attack. It is important for doctors to realize that women likely experience heart attacks differently than men and to account for this when ordering proper testing.
Contact a Trusted Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured by an undiagnosed heart attack, you may want an experienced medical malpractice attorney on your side. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping the victims of medical negligence. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.